Lake Tahoe: Travel Guide

Lake Tahoe…you never fail to mesmerize us with your magical ways.

I’ve been coming to our family house in Incline Village since I was a newborn. My Grandfather built the house in 1955 for his children and three generations later we are still enjoying the fruits of his labor.

I’ve been coming here to this magical little Lake for so long that it’s practically a part of me. Like somehow the sand, the water, the air, the mountains...are engrained in me, in my soul. And now my heart soars to see my children splashing around in the same cool water with smiles as big as the moon, shrieking in delight. I hope I never forget that feeling-that it too, like the air and mountains, becomes a part of me. I love how a place can hold so many sacred memories...a vault trapped inside safe and sound forever. That’s magical Tahoe for me.

So I’m sharing with you some of my Tahoe favorites so that maybe you’ll grow to love the Lake as much as I do.

While Lake Tahoe isn’t actually a very big Lake, you could drive the perimeter in about 2 hours, each Shore has it’s own unique feel. I’ll focus on the North Shore because that the spot I know the best and can offer you the most thorough insight.

North Shore

Where to Stay:

Airbnb or Vrbo a house with Lake access or check into the Hyatt Incline Village. We love this spot! Perfect for the whole family.

Where to Eat:

Lone Eagle Grill: lake views, fire pits, s’mores, yummy cocktails, live music

Garwoods: home of the Wet Woody

Austins: home style cuisine with amazing cornbread and chili

Mountain High: yummy sandwiches my fav is the Thanksgiving Turkey

White Caps: Delish pizza that you can eat on the beach…take it to-go or sit at their lakeside tables.

Mofos: my absolute fav pizza outside of Italy! Take it to the beach with a bottle of wine for the best dinny!

What to do:

Besides the obvious…spending all day at the beach there’s so much to do at the Lake including boating, paddle boarding, jet skis, parasailing, kayaks etc!

Kings Beach mini golf followed by ice cream at The Log Cabin! Splurge and get the Emerald Bay Split! There’s also a great little playground on the public beach perfect for littles!

Kings Beach Mini Golf is great for kids of any age!

Log Cabin has a big patio and lots of yummy flavors

Hikes: Flume Trail and East Shore Trail to Hidden Beach

We cannot come to Lake Tahoe without a little adventure in the mountains. If you’re “hiking” with little ones I’d suggest taking the newly paved East Shore Trail to Hidden Beach. It’s only about one mile and on a paved path perfect for strollers or even little bikes.

How gorgeous is Hidden Beach?! It’s a little piece of Tahoe paradise.

I’d suggest packing a bag with snacks, swim suits and towels and make a day of it because Hidden Beach is truly a GEM. It’s only a short hike to this tucked away special spot with water so clear it’s like a dream. We climbed rock formations, splashed in the cool lake and explored our own little deserted island.

When the kiddos aren’t with us, The Flume Trial is our go-to hiking spot. Older kids can definitely do this trail, but if you want to make it to the top I’d say leave the littles behind. When hiking the Flume bring plenty of water and wear lots of sunscreen as the sun seems extra strong on the mountain. Also the trails can get pretty crowded in the late morning so I’d suggest getting an early start on your hike.

Recently we found the cutest little hidden swing on the trail. If you’re hiking in Incline Village and want to check out the swing...take the Flume Trail up towards Monkey Rock.

The yellow rope swing is hanging on the tree just to our right.

Once you pass Monkey Rock, keep going on the trail until the next scenic overlook. You’ll see a little boulder outcropping (like in my photo) and just behind that to the right is the swing. It’s a yellow rope swing but almost invisible unless you’re really looking for it.

West + South Shore

Sunnyside Lodge: cutest little hotel right on the Lake and yummy restaurant. Get the fish tacos and make sure to save room for the Hula Pie!

West Shore Market: cute little market perfect for grabbing coffee, sando or snacks before heading to the beach

Nothing says summer time more than a Chambers Punch!

Chambers Landing: two words…Chambers Punch! These drinks are a Tahoe staple and an absolute must! Pull your boat up and grab a drink or drive in and try the restaurant!

Heaveny Village: with hotels and condos in the area this is a great place to stay! Ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views or hang out at the bottom and try Basecamp Pizza!

Heavenly Village has shops, restaurants and entertainment for the whole family!

Edgewood Resort: Lakeside or poolside? Edgewood offers both! We’ve had the best adults only weekend here but also brought the kids and they loved it!!

Edgewood Resort is a little piece of paradise on the Lake.

I just can’t get enough Lake Tahoe. Brisk morning walks in the fresh mountain air, long days at the beach, sauv blanc round the clock (and no judgement) picture perfect sunsets over the Lake and best of all so much wonderful family time making memories we'll never forget.

Did I forget any of your favorite spots? Tell me in the comments!